Lipstick Plant Care and Growing Guide

Lipstick Plant Care and Growing Guide

安静的美女子

2017-05-23

Learn how to care for lipstick plant. Lipstick plant care is simple, all it requires is constantly warm temperature and humid surrounding to grow and thrive.

Lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is native to Indonesia and Malaysia. It is an epiphyte— a delicate, tropical vine that can also be grown as houseplant and excellent for use in hanging baskets on a shady balcony or patio.USDA Zones– 10 – 12

Difficulty– Easy to Moderate

Lipstick Plant Characteristics

Its leaves are green, ovate, opposite, waxy and somewhat succulent like. Arranged in long, tanned and thin branches. The inflorescence appear are terminal, with flowers of tubular corolla like a cylindrical cup, with colors ranging from bright red to purplish-brown. The flower resembles a lipstick and that’s why it is called “Lipstick Plant”. The flowers have pungent aroma and are attractive to sunbirds and hummingbirds.

Lipstick Plant Propagation

Lipstick plant propagation can be done from cuttings or from seeds. Best propagation time is when temperature is around 70 F (21 C).

Requirements for Growing Lipstick PlantLocation

Must be grown in dappled shade, always protected from direct sun but under full indirect light. Location must not be windy or cool. Keep the plant above 60 F (15 C). It can be grown tropical climate in USDA Zones 10b – 12 but below these zones, you need to be careful as the lipstick plant is not frost tolerant and likes to grow in constantly warm temperature between 65 to 85 F (18 – 30 C)

Once established do not change the location of plant again and again.

Soil

Grow it in fertile, well draining and airy substrate that is rich in humus, peat moss or cocopeat.

Watering

Water whenever the surface begins to dry. Soak the entire pot every time. Water regularly in summer to keep the root ball moist. In winter, reduce the watering. Be careful with watering in cooler climates, in winter watering should be almost suspended as it can cause root rot.

It prefers non-calcareous lukewarm water, best to water it with distilled or rain water if possible.

Lipstick Plant Care

Lipstick plant care is simple, all it requires is constantly warm temperature and humid surrounding to grow and thrive.

Fertilizer

Feed the plant once a month using 3-1-2 ratio liquid fertilizer, such as 9-3-6 diluted at half strength recommended. Make sure to water plant before fertilizing to avoid root burn. Stop fertilizing in late fall and resume again in early spring.

Pruning

Prune it after it finishes flowering. Cut each branch to a length of about 6 inches using a sharp pair of scissors.

Pinching

The tip of the branches should be pinched regularly to encourage dense growth.

Pests, Diseases and Problems during Lipstick Plant Care

Generally, it is not susceptible to diseases. Root rot is possible if plant is overwatered in winter. In pests it might be attacked by aphids, red spider mite, mealybugs and whiteflies.

If you’re growing lipstick plant indoors keep it moist but avoid excess watering. Place it on a ventilated place with good air circulation and bright indirect light.